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Emerald and Questex have officially united under a new corporate parent brand, Forge, following their acquisition by Apollo-managed funds in July. The new company combines Emerald’s trade shows, conferences and commerce-focused offerings with Questex’s events, media brands and year-round digital engagement platform. Existing event and media brands will continue operating under their current names. Paul Miller will continue to lead the organization as chief executive officer.
The combined portfolio includes some of the meetings and events industry’s best-known brands, from Emerald’s Outdoor Retailer and Advertising Week to Questex’s high-profile events across hospitality, wellness, technology and life sciences & healthcare business verticals. Notable events include The Hospitality Show and Bar & Restaurant Expo.
Forge also unveiled a new board of directors that includes Andy Bird, former president of Walt Disney International and former CEO of Pearson; Lara Boro, former CEO of The Economist Group and Informa Intelligence; and Simon Kimble, former CEO and executive chairman of Clarion Events.
Miller told Convene that the launch reflects a broader shift in how event organizers engage audiences.
“The strongest events today don’t compete with digital engagement; they build on it and embrace it,” he said. “We believe the future belongs to organizations that can combine the power of face-to-face experiences with trusted content, data and community throughout the year, with the result being better outcomes and ROI for customers.”
Miller added that Forge plans to use insights gathered through both live events and digital interactions to help customers identify and reach target audiences more effectively.
“The launch of Forge creates the opportunity for the business to utilize data captured at events and across digital engagements to help customers target the right customers at the right time with the right message,” Miller said.
According to the company, Forge’s new brand promise, “Moving Markets,” reflects its goal of connecting buyers and sellers through live events, digital media, data products and year-round communities. The company said it will continue investing in products, technology and customer engagement under Apollo ownership.
Miller added, “Together we are now the largest B2B events and media company in North America, and one of the largest in the world. We’re helping customers see what is ahead and connect with the people who matter most to them, backed by the data, talent and scale to deliver measurable value year-round.”
Read the full release: https://convene.media/ForgeLaunchAug26Release